Elearning Developer

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is DSS's technology services organization. ITS mission is to support the daily, emergent, and long-term needs of both agencies. ITS creates and enhances the technology infrastructure and computer applications that support HRA and DHS and develops applications, including a variety of client eligibility and recertification systems, case management systems, housing systems, employment/work engagement services, revenue producing computer matches, claiming systems, and personnel systems.

The Technology Enablement unit works in close conjunction with application development teams and HRA/DHS programs to identify and service training needs. This spans new user training, new software releases, building how-to videos and providing on-going learning support. The training methodology includes classroom training, instructor led webinars, and asynchronous instructional videos available via a learning management system. Video development includes working closely with program stakeholders and various user groups to identify the best method for self-paced learning. In most instances, post application go-live support is provided through call-in webinars. Our key areas of expertise are, training needs analysis, agile training development, instructional design, and in-house video production.

Within ITS/Technology Enablement, under the general direction from the Executive Director, with a high degree of latitude for independent action, judgement and decisions, the eLearning Developer encompasses professional responsibilities unique to the assessment and implementation of complex information technology initiatives which require specialized expertise and experience beyond what is expected of a generalist in any given area. The eLearning Developer performs complex information technology project work that delivers usable software systems and technology solutions for business needs. The eLearning Developer builds, creates, and tests technical, online, asynchronous and webinar, computer-based training courses, modules, and videos for new ITS software systems as well as for each Agile release of existing ITS software systems. The eLearning Developer releases and publishes training videos to the DSS Agency so that they can use the new and updated ITS software systems to process benefits and perform other related Agency duties on a day-to-day basis. The e-Learning Developer also makes the training available as a desk-reference for future duties on a day-to-day basis.

Information Technology Services (ITS)/ Technology Enablement is recruiting for one (1) IT Project Specialist, to function as eLearning Developer, who will:

• Collaborate with Business Analysts and Agency Heads to understand business requirements. Utilize Confluence to review business requirements and online content documents and Jira to research user stories, acceptance criteria, specifications, and UAT Test Cases. Partner with software development teams, system testers, QA, UAT staff and business stakeholders to ensure released video eLearning meets requirements for business and operations, management, and staff. Conduct regular reviews with senior Agency and IT stakeholders to validate and assess the project requirements, demonstrate proof of design concepts, validate design assets, integrate feedback, and reprioritize project scope as required.

• Develop and maintain working relationships with business users and technical teams to ensure effective collaboration on projects. Analyze, synthesize, and implement feedback from stakeholders. Guide and manage eLearning video projects through the entire software development lifecycle, from conception, pre-production, production, UAT, and launch. Implement Agile workflow to ensure all video releases are aligned with ITS software releases. Participate in human-centered design activities, user research and software prototyping. Create user interface designs, interaction models, media elements, and overall visual design to maximize user engagement and desired performance outcomes.

• Use established standards, business and technical requirements and input from functional team members to design and deliver engaging training using various training modalities including, but not limited to mobile, on-line, video, and other broad reach vehicles. Transform complex system information, i.e., design documents, interface designs, prototypes/wireframes, storyboards, and scripts into video-based presentations that allow users to interact with the online content easily and intuitively.

• Create computer generated animations, graphic and computer-based motion assets, software screen recordings, voice recordings, sound effects, and multimedia effects. Generate close captions for the hearing impaired. Combine video, visual computer assets, and voice recording into prototypes and final projects; release and render videos. Utilize audio and mixing equipment to record, produce and mix voice and music for video soundtracks. Enhance sound quality and suppress unwanted noise using audio editors and recorders.

• Develop prototypes and pilot presentations, utilizing editing tools such as Adobe Premier Pro, Frame.io and After Affects. Develop online training storyboards to host eLearning on NYC and NYS computer-based Learning Management Systems for agency staff consumption.

• Design targeted video productions by leveraging specialized business domain knowledge of HRA and OHS social service programs, as well as the manner in which these services are administrated via HRA Job Centers and OHS Homeless Shelters. Use deep understanding, knowledge, and expertise of ITS computer software, such as SPOS, Fair Fares, CARES, RAMS, WTS, and LMS, as well as how software is utilized by HRA, OHS, and provider run homeless shelter staff to produce videos that inform staff on new protocols, policies, and processes resulting from lawsuits, court settlements, Fair Hearing Decisions, COVID-19 policy changes, etc.

• Coordinate and communicate with all levels of operations from Senior Staff to technical teams. Effectively articulate project nuances and complexities to City executives, Agency Heads, Assistant Agency Heads, City business partners, and other stakeholders while being responsive and sensitive to underlying politics.

• Document eLearning requirements, plans, progress, and statuses; communicate project data via presentations and reports with all levels of Management and stakeholders to deliver computer-based eLearning solutions that meet the needs of the business. Brainstorm with all partners to identify and implement solutions for technical and procedural issues in the development project life cycle.

• Perform Business Analysis to define scope and to assess, document, and integrate key points, details, knowledge, and subtle differences that may be required for software processes and projects for eLearning computer-based training development. Ensure final released products are reviewed and approved by stakeholders (e.g., Agency Heads, Department Heads, City executives).

• Ensure that software e-learning solutions are appropriately tested to meet functional (usability) and technical (performance) requirements. Create test cases, test scripts, and defect reports. Execute test scripts and document progress and results. Collaborate with technical teams to understand application capabilities, environment set up and defect fixes.

Work Location:

15 Metrotech, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Hours/Shift:

Normal Business Hours

Minimum Qualifications

1.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

2.An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

3.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

4.Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.

Preferred Skills

• Strong business acumen, including industry and domain-specific knowledge of the enterprise and its business units.

• Understanding of current and emerging infrastructure technologies and practices and how other organizations are employing them and the ability to identify and act on opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and technologies to business leaders and business concepts to the IT workforce and to effectively negotiate contracts.

• Proficient at conducting training needs analysis for projects and courses in close collaboration with subject matter experts (business leads and IT project managers) and key business stakeholders.

• Expertise in the development of instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and best practices.

• Experience designing and delivering training solutions in alignment with business objectives and audience requirements, e.g., effective use of instructor-led training, eLearning, web-based technologies.

• Knowledge of SCORM-compliant e-training specifications with properly structured competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitude).

• Proficient in Agile development as it relates to working with application teams and creating complex video presentations.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.